Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to say at the beginning of my remarks that I am going to support this resolution. However, the resolution that is before the House today is not as simple as it may seem. Unfortunately, this resolution tends to place the needs of disabled children and nondisabled children in conflict rather than to seek to recognize our commitment to all children. Full funding for the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act is a goal which is vitally important to the education of the disabled children of our Nation and one that I have been committed to since I arrived in Congress 23 years ago. We need to provide 40 percent of the excess cost of educating a child with a disability, and this should be done and this should be one of our top priorities for Federal education funding. In fact, as my chairman, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling) knows, I have joined him and many other of my colleagues in demanding additional funding for special education so we can meet this goal now rather than later. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling) has been a real and long time leader for full funding of IDEA. I can recall several years ago, when we both served on the Committee on the Budget, the courage he took to be the one Member over there who joined me in trying to secure more funding for this program. Supporting the needs of disabled children and providing them with a chance to become productive, participating members of society is extremely important, and there has been no greater champion than myself in this issue. In fact, many years before the passage of 94-142, I, as one of its principal authors, helped enact Michigan's special education law. My commitment and experience in this issue has spanned three decades of my career in public service, and I understand and support the need to fully fund IDEA. However, in our desire to provide full funding for IDEA, we should not do so at the expense of other Federal education programs or pit the needs of disabled children against those of nondisabled children. The resolution which we are considering today tends to do that, accentuate the politics of division rather than recognizing what has become a bipartisan goal, the full funding of IDEA. The issue of IDEA funding is not a Democratic or Republican concern. There has been strong bipartisan support for substantial increases in funding for IDEA in recent appropriations bills, and I strongly believe this will continue. In the past 3 years we have provided sizable increases for both IDEA and other Federal education initiatives, recognizing the need to build a total Federal commitment to education. IDEA alone has received over $1.5 billion in additional funding since 1996. The growth and funding for all Federal education programs that have a positive effect on student achievement should be the goal we set our sights on regardless of party or parochial interest. It is my hope that we commit ourselves to the spirit of cooperation on the issue of educational funding. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) a member of the committee. (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, what we have before us today is really a get well card, and it is a very nice get well card. If I have a friend who is ill, I will send my friend a get well card, and that is very important. It expresses my sentiment and my hope for him. But what my friend really needs, besides that get well card, is the Blue Cross card to pay the bills, and that is why the Committee on the Budget and Committee on Appropriations could do a much better job. Mr. Speaker, we will solicit our colleagues' support over there to get money for that Blue Cross card, send a get well card which is nice, but it does not do enough. So I am going to vote for this because it is an encouraging, hopeful get well card. But upon receipt of that we must do more, and I would hope that each and every one of my colleagues over there would encourage the Committee on the Budget, encourage the Committee on Appropriations and indeed encourage the Committee on Ways and Means to do its job.

Mr. KILDEE. I yield to the gentleman from Iowa.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Rivers). (Ms. RIVERS asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey). (Ms. WOOLSEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize and honor the accomplishments of a truly remarkable woman. On May 5, members of the Flint, Michigan, Northern High School Alumni Association will gather to honor five Distinguished Fellows, members of their alumni community who have contributed to legacy and rich history of Northern High School, and of Flint. One Distinguished Fellow to be honored is the late Ms. Cecile Hershon. Born in Lansing, Michigan in 1920, Cecile Hershon and her family eventually moved to Flint, where she graduated from Northern High School in 1938. In 1944, Cecile was recruited by the United States Army and began her long military career as a civilian clerk in Arlington, Virginia. From there she went on to become a part of the newly merged Army and Navy Signal Services, first known as the Armed Forces Security Agency as is currently what we know as the National Security Agency. Cecile began to further her career with the National Security Agency, becoming adept as intelligence research, analysis, and reporting, and soon became a exceptional cryptographer. She later accepted an overseas position where she continued to perfect her skills, allowing her to function in a variety of supervisory and management positions. Throughout her career, which spanned an incomparable 42 years, Cecile received numerous honors and commendations, including one of the agency's highest honors, the National Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1986. Cecile also became involved in WIN--Women in NSA, an organization dedicated to increasing personal growth and development among both men and women within the NSA. As a member of WIN, Cecile was honored with their President's Award on two separate occasions. She was also the first recipient of WIN's Dorothy T. Blum Award for excellence in personal and professional development. In addition to being a model employee, Cecile was an ardent humanitarian as well. She was constantly found extending a helping hand to friends, colleagues, and sometimes mere acquaintances, sometimes at her own personal or professional expense, and with no thought of personal gain. Countless members of the NSA and the military attribute their success to Cecile's support and encouragement. There have been many accounts of people who were convinced by Cecile to remain in the NSA, complete their education, and honor familial obligations. Indeed, many of our military are better soldiers due to the influence of Cecile Hershon. Mr. Speaker, Cecile Hershon lived her life in a truly selfless and benevolent manner, and it goes without saying that her influence extends even to this day. Her life's work, serving her country for so long as a civilian, is commanding of the highest respect.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, the bill before the House today does not have the full scope of provisions which I and other Democrats have sought during the several months which we have worked on this legislation. The conference report on H.R. 800 does, however, make much-needed improvements to the existing Ed-Flex demonstration program in the areas of accountability and targeting of resources, and because of this will receive my support today. The existing Ed-Flex demonstration program is found by GAO to require little accountability for increased student achievement. The gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) and I offered an amendment, both in committee and on the floor, which attempted to address these concerns. While this amendment was not adopted, the legislation's provision requiring the Secretary to judge the specificity and measurability of a State's educational goals and strengthen reporting requirements, including the requirement to provide reliable and accurate data on student performance, are improvements over the existing demonstration program that will provide us with the information we need to truly analyze the link between flexibility and student performance. In addition, while the existing Ed-Flex demonstration program allows waivers of nearly all Title I targeting protections, this new legislation ensures that States must continue to fund the highest poverty schools and have only marginal flexibility in sending Title I dollars to lower poverty schools. It is important to note that even existing Ed-Flex States, such as Michigan, once their opportunity to operate under the present authority expires, will have to apply under the stricter requirements of this legislation. I was also pleased that the conferees realized the importance of dropping the Lott amendment dealing with class size reduction and IDEA funding. This amendment injected politics into what was a healthy debate over the policy objectives of expanding flexibility, and pitted the needs of disabled children against non-disabled children. This was an ill-advised amendment, and its absence from the conference report is critical to the success of today's legislation. Overall, I believe this bill makes some needed improvements to the present Ed-Flex demonstration programs. It is not the bill I would have written, but it is a bill I will vote for. I think it is vital to reexamine the decisions made in this legislation in the context of the policy decisions we make during our work this Congress. That is why I wanted the sunset, but we put language in the report talking about this reexamination. While I will support the legislation before the House today, I strongly believe we need to revisit Ed-Flex to ensure that the steps taken by this bill to ensure accountability and protect targeting of resources are sufficient. I look forward to this reexamination of Ed- Flex during our deliberations in ESEA.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the accomplishments of a man who has made it his life's work to protect and defend human dignity, and to ensure the safety of our shores, for our citizens and our children. On April 23, friends and family will gather to honor the career of State Commander David E. Smith, for a lifetime of service, including more than 20 years as a member of the Disabled American Veterans. A lifetime resident of Michigan, David Smith's introduction to the United States Armed Forces began with his grandfather, who served in World War I, and his father, Earl, who served in World War II. Upon completion of his tour of duty, the elder Mr. Smith moved his family to Christmas, Michigan, and later Mount Morris, in the Flint area. Mr. Smith enlisted in the United States Army on June 20, 1960, and served for six years, three of which were in Germany as a member of the 7th Army. He also served with the 1st Armored Division in Fort Hood, Texas, and the 1st Army at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. During this time, he rose to the rank of Sergeant. In May of 1966, Sergeant Smith was medically discharged with service connected disability, however has continued to serve his country as he worked for the Department of the Army in Dover, New Jersey, before returning to Michigan in 1967. He began a career with general motors, which spaned three years before his disability prevented him from continuing. Showing determination to excel despite his disability, Mr. Smith and his family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to be close to VA physicians. Mr. Smith began a new career, one that lasted five years until his disability rating was upgraded to 100% and he was ordered to cease working altogether. In July of 1974, Mr. Smith joined the Disabled American Veterans as a like member. He began regularly attending DAV meetings in the fall of 1983. His regular attendance of Chapter Service Officer trainings prepared him for his future roles as Chapter Adjutant, Treasurer, and Service Officer. For three years, Mr. Smith served as Chapter Commander, and has held every statewide Vice-Commander positions, prior to his current position as State Commander. He has been honored as Chapter Service Officer of the Year on five separate occasions, and was recognized as Michigan Disabled Veteran of the Year in 1990. Mr. Speaker, as we owe much to our nation's veterans, Commander David Smith has acknowledged the fact that his accomplishments would not have been possible without support from his wife Peggy, and his children, all of whom, are veterans as well. I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating him for this dedication and perseverance.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the accomplishments of Mrs. Henrietta Presnall, of Flint, Michigan. On Friday, March 26, friends and family will gather to honor the career of this remarkable woman, who is retiring from Sears Corporation after 23 years of dedicated service. A native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Henrietta moved to Flint and married James Presnall in 1968. She attended Charles Stewart Mott Community College and graduated in 1973 with an Associates Degree in Nursing. Upon graduation, she joined Heritage Manor Nursing Home as a Nurses' Aide. On July 26, 1976 she joined Sears and Roebuck Corporation as a part-time salesperson. Henrietta received numerous recognitions for outstanding work ethics and customer service, from her superiors as well as her customers. Henrietta was promoted to the position of Sears Service and Product Maintenance Agreement Lead Person, then she was later promoted to Technician Secretary for the Sears Service Center, leading to her current position as Cashier Accountant. Henrietta is often found using her personable skills in the community as well. She is involved with groups such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Flint, The Fair Winds Girl Scout Council, Zeta Phi Beta Amica Sorority, and the Michigan Women's National Bowling Association. In 1971, Henrietta became a member of the Foss Avenue Baptist Church, where she faithfully serves as a member of the Senior Usher Board, Foss Avenue Catering Committee, and the MLA fellowship Sunday School class. I know that Henrietta would want to point out that the love and support of her family have contributed greatly to her success. She is very proud of her children, Veronica and Lucetia, grandsons Demetrice and Trevino, granddaughter Elexus, and of course, her husband, James Presnall. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a privilege for me to rise today before my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating Henrietta Presnall on her retirement. I wish her continued success in all her endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the motion to instruct conferees offered by my ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri. As Members know, the Senate version of the Ed-Flex bill includes a provision which allows school districts to take funds targeted in last year's appropriation bill for class size reduction and use it for special education. This provision should be struck by the conferees and we should send that message today. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities has written to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) supporting this motion that we instruct conferees. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the letter from the Consortium. The letter referred to is as follows: Consortium for Citizens With Disabilities March 23, 1999. Hon. William Clay, Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Clay: On behalf of the members of the Education Task Force of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, we write to you today in support of your motion to instruct conferees to strike the Lott Amendment to the Ed- Flex bill and to increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). CCD is gravely concerned that children with disabilities are being used as pawns in a political game. The Clay Motion to Instruct addresses this concern because it does not pit the interests of children with disabilities against the interests of their classmates. Over the past three years, IDEA funding has grown by 85 percent. Unfortunately, given the increase in students in special education, the federal share accounts for only ten percent of the additional costs associated with educating students with disabilities. In the 1997 Amendments to IDEA, Congress recognized the need for additional support for general education. Now states can use twenty percent of new IDEA funds for general education activities. CCD supports this provision because it is designed to assist schools better meet their obligations to all students. Every child in America benefits from increased education funding. CCD applauds the efforts of members of the House of Representatives and the Senate on both sides of the aisle who are committed both to securing additional funding for IDEA and to protecting the rights of children with disabilities to a free, appropriate public education. We urge members of the House of Representatives to support the Clay Motion to Instruct on the Ed-Flex bill. Thank you for considering our views. Paul Marchand, The Arc. Katherine Beh Neas, Easter Seals. Mr. Speaker, full funding of IDEA is a goal I have been committed to since I arrived in Congress. Do we need to provide 40 percent of the excess costs of educating a child with a disability? Absolutely. Should this be one of our priorities for Federal education funding? Absolutely. As my chairman knows, I have joined him and my other colleagues in demanding additional funding for special education. Supporting the needs of disabled children and providing them with the chance to become productive, participating members of society is extremely important. However, it should not be at the expense of other Federal education programs. Last year's appropriations bill created the class size reduction program, and recognized the commitment to hire 100,000 teachers over the next 7 years. That bill provided funding to hire the first 30,000 teachers, and put us on the path to reducing class size in grades 1 through 3 to an average of 18. This is an essential tool in the education reforms of States and localities. We should not jeopardize this funding only months before it is scheduled to go out. The issue of IDEA funding is not a Democratic or a Republic concern. There has been strong bipartisan support for the substantial increases in funding for IDEA in recent appropriation bills, and I believe this will continue. I hope that the motion to instruct conferees of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Clay) attracts the same type of support today.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my views on H. Con. Res. 24, a resolution expressing Congressional opposition to the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state. Mr. Speaker, I oppose any unilateral action, by any of the parties to the Oslo Agreement and the Wye River Agreement that would endanger further progress in the Middle East peace process. I agree with the many observers who believe that for the Palestinian authority to declare a Palestinian state, at this time, would be disruptive and dangerous for the Middle East peace process. Such a unilateral declaration could also have a negative impact on the upcoming elections in Israel. While the Palestinian people do have the right of self determination, the declaration and establishment of a Palestinian state is an issue best dealt with in the context of a negotiated, comprehensive peace agreement. Mr. Speaker, I also agree with the remarks of Mr. Dennis Ross, President Clinton's chief Middle East peace negotiator, regarding the negative impact on the peace process of the current Israeli government's continued push to build and expand Israeli settlements on the West Bank. Such settlement activity not only creates ``new facts on the ground'' but they create real obstacles to the completion of a fair and enduring peace between the Israeli and the Palestinian people. Mr. Speaker, I will support this resolution today. However, I continue to urge both sides, the Palestinians and the Israelis, to avoid any unilateral actions which could endanger the Middle East peace process. We need to build more progress towards a peaceful solution, not more obstacles thrown in the path of peace.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to join my friend from Ohio, Mr. Ney, myself, and over 100 of their colleagues, to support the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 1999. Congress has long recognized the importance of assuring and protecting the right of workers to collectively bargain. Over the years, federal laws have been extended to guarantee collective bargaining to different sectors and now the only sizable group of workers without the rights to collectively bargain are employees of state and local government. This is particularly troubling as it applies to the public safety arena. Fire fighters and police officers take seriously their oath to protect the public and as a result they do not engage in worker slowdowns or stoppages. The absence of the right to collectively bargain denies them the opportunity to influence decisions that affect their lives. The Public Safety Employer-Employee Act provides public safety officers with a collective bargaining right that is outside the scope of other federal labor laws. This legislation establishes basic minimum standards that state laws must meet and provides a process to resolve impasses in states without such laws. States that already have collective bargaining laws would be exempt from the federal statute. Furthermore, this bill prohibits strikes and does not call for mandatory binding arbitration. Public safety workers risk their lives every day to protect the public. At the very least, they should be allowed to bargain for wages, hours, and safe working conditions. This bill helps workers, management, and the general public, because employer-employee cooperation leads to cost savings and better delivery of services. This bill is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters, International Brotherhood of Police Officers, International Union of Police Organizations, National Association of Police Organizations, and the Fraternal Order of Police. I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 1999.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the accomplishments of a man who has made it his life's work to protect and defend human dignity, and to ensure the safety of our streets for our citizens and our children. On March 12, friends and family will gather to honor the career of Arthur O. Evans, who is retiring after more than 30 years in law enforcement. It is difficult to imagine what the Flint, MI community would be like had it not been for the influence of Art Evans, an influence which began after he joined the Flint Police Department, following the end of his tenure as a member of the U.S. Air Force Air Police. Art began his career as a police officer in 1968, and rose through the ranks becoming a sergeant in 1974 and a lieutenant in 1984. During his tenure with the Flint police, Art served in divisions such as the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Neighborhood Foot Patrol, and the Inspection Bureau. During this time, Art also attended Flint Junior College and Michigan State University, earning degrees in Police Administration, Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Education and Administration. For over 25 years, he also worked as a Criminal Justice instructor at the University of Michigan-Flint, Saginaw Valley State University, and Mott Community College. In February 1985, Art was appointed Undersheriff of Genesee County, thereby giving him a larger jurisdiction and a greater opportunity for public service. Art has often been involved in groups such as the Genesee County Association of Chiefs of Police, Flint Area Crime Stoppers, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He has worked to enhance the quality of life for his constituents through his involvement in groups such as Genesee County Violence Prevention Coalition, Mott Community College Criminal Justice Advisory Board, and the National Council on Alcoholism. Art has many times stepped from behind his badge through his work with the Boy Scouts of America, Bishop International Airport Authority, and the YMCA. He has been General Chairperson for the Untied Negro College Fund in Genesee County, President of the Urban League of Flint Board of Directors, and President of the Flint Board of Education. Mr. Speaker, many people in the Flint area, myself included, have greatly benefitted from Art Evans' insight and experience. He has truly made Genesee County a better place in which to live. I ask my colleagues in the 106th Congress to join me in congratulating him for his dedication and commitment to justice.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today with a heavy heart, as I stand here to recognize the achievements of a great man who gave much to his family, his community, and to the Lord. On March 8, Pastor Eddie McDonald, Sr. of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Pontiac, Michigan, joined the Lord after a lifetime of service. For many years, Pastor Eddie McDonald was known as one of the most respected and influential leaders in the City of Pontiac. It is nearly impossible to imagine what the Pontiac area would be like had Pastor McDonald chosen not to move here from his home in Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1953. In 1958 he joined the congregation of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church. He was ordained as a deacon in January 1959 and became a minister on March 18, 1962. In 1966, Pastor McDonald began a street ministry, and the following year organized Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church, serving as Pastor through its first year. On March 28, 1968, Pastor McDonald became the pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and held the position up until his untimely death. Pastor McDonald's influence extended not only in the Church, but the community as well. He was affiliated with a number of professional and charitable organizations including the Pontiac Ecumenical Ministry, Pontiac Citizen's Coalition, Lighthouse and the Pontiac Youth Assistance Program. Pastor McDonald also served as president of the Oakland County Ministerial Fellowship. Not limiting his good deeds to the State of Michigan, he and his family have been instrumental in food and clothing drives benefitting needy individuals throughout the country. Mr. Speaker, when Pontiac became a part of my district, I was told by many that the first person I should meet was Pastor Eddie McDonald. This advice proved to be beneficial because from it, I gained a resource, an ally, a confidant, and most importantly, a friend. My sincerest condolences go out to his wonderful wife, Mary, their extended family, and the congregation of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He will be sorely missed.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, as my colleague knows, the language that we have in our amendment and the language which the gentleman quotes is not new language at all. It is the language that is in the Title I reauthorization of 1994, the standards that should be put in place, and it is the language which is in the Texas model. So it is not something that the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) and I dreamed up; it is something that we voted on, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling) voted for it in 1994, and it is the same language in the Texas model.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KILDEE. If the gentlewoman will yield, I think it is a reasonable amendment. The amendment really is patterned basically on the structure that Texas put into place. Texas is the most successful State so far. We were just asking them, if we are going to give them that flexibility, which we will give them, we are not going to deprive them of their money, that they have to have some accountability. Texas was willing to give that accountability. I think our flexibility amendment is very flexible.

Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. The gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) has mentioned that under the Miller-Kildee amendment certain districts would not qualify. But those districts who do not meet the requirements of the Miller-Kildee amendment by the school year 2000 do not lose their Federal dollars. They only fail to achieve that flexibility which must be linked to accountability. There is no loss of Federal dollars at all, but we say if you are going to have flexibility, we have to have accountability. The Kildee-Miller amendment does not penalize them by taking away their Federal dollars, it merely does not give them the flexibility unless there is a nexus with accountability.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I join the gentleman from California (Mr. Miller) offering this amendment, and I rise in strong support. This amendment seeks to strengthen the efficiencies in the Ed-Flex program identified in a November General Accounting Office Report. This report of the GAO said that the ability of the existing Ed-Flex program to enforce accountability is suspect. GAO said that the States are not setting required goals for increased student achievement and little is known about the actual impact of waivers. Part of the rationale for the enactment of this demonstration program in 1994, and it was 1994, Mr. Chairman, when I was still chairman of the subcommittee; part of the rationale for the enactment was that we will be able to gauge the impact of waivers on student achievement. This is not presently possible. The Miller-Kildee amendment, accountability amendment, seeks to address these issues. Very simply, Mr. Chairman, this amendment would require States who wish to participate in Ed-Flex to have the system of standards and aligned assessments as required in Title I in place. This amendment will mean that States participating in Ed-Flex will be able to accurately measure student performance and also produce disaggregated results based on categories of at-risk student populations. Without this type of information in place, we will not be able to accurately measure whether the student achievement is going up over time and particularly how it is going up with particular groups for whom this bill has been targeted in the rest of ESEA. Our taxpayers who are the investors in education in this country want to know and have their right to know how their money is being used and whether that money is being used successfully. I think we have an obligation in spending those dollars that we require that assessment make sure that that money is being spent effectively. I urge all our Members to adopt this amendment. This amendment to my mind is such a perfecting amendment, my colleagues will not only gain power in this bill for education, but we will find a real bipartisan bill emerging from this House.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Holt amendment. I would like to say first of all that our committee has been really enriched by the membership of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt) on the committee. The amendment which he offers is extremely simple. It asks school districts to describe what professional development opportunities they are providing for math and science teachers if they waive the math and science priority under the Eisenhower program. This is certainly not a burdensome amendment, and this amendment does not restrict any flexibility provided in the bill. As Members know, the results of U.S. children in the third International Math and Science Study were dismal when compared to children in other countries around the world. Pulling back on our commitment to improving the professional development qualifications of our math and science teachers at a time when our children are being out-performed by so many internationally seems to be misguided. I would urge all Members to support the Holt amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, today's debate on the Ed-Flex bill will focus on whether we should require accountability for the Federal dollars which we send to the States and how those dollars should be targeted. Not top-down Federal-knows-best accountability, but State-developed systems focusing on results that target the resources on the most disadvantaged children. H.R. 800 expands the existing Ed-Flex program, which the General Accounting Office said in a November report has a questionable accountability structure. The GAO said that Ed-Flex implementation is so uneven that many Ed-Flex States have not established goals for increased academic achievement, and are unable to report on the educational impact of waivers. In short, the GAO report casts serious doubts on whether the Ed-Flex is something worthy of expanding to all 50 States. Mr. Chairman, due to these serious questions, the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller) and I will offer an amendment to require increased accountability in this legislation, so we are not simply giving flexibility without requiring increased academic achievement. Under the amendment, States, as a condition of participation in Ed- Flex, must have in place a standards and assessment system that measures the performance of all children. It disaggregates achievement results of at-risk children by categories, and it is designed to close the gap between low-performing disadvantaged children and their peers. The bill as presently drafted does none of these things. I urge all Members to support this strengthening amendment. We hear two States are doing well, Texas and Maryland. Two out of 12 is not a great record. I also want to express my support for the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) to prevent low poverty schools below 35 percent poverty from operating school-wide programs. School-wide programs have become an essential component of school reform in high poverty schools. However, this bill would allow waivers for schools with practically zero poor children to implement school- wide programs, and neglect the needs of disadvantaged children. This critical amendment deserves the support of all Members. While two of my amendments were accepted during committee consideration of this bill, sunsetting this legislation and terminating ineffective waivers after 2 years, the bill still needs to be strengthened. The bill as presently drafted, Mr. Chairman, does not address the shortcomings found in the GAO report, or ensure that poor children will receive educational services. Without the accountability provisions in the Miller-Kildee amendment, States cannot truly measure the academic impact of Ed-Flex, or examine the achievement of at-risk children. The questions Members will ask themselves today is, should we endorse the status quo, or demand better accountability for our educational dollars.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.